The unmistakable orange-and-white stripes are shining brighter than ever across 17 states as Whataburger, Texas’ beloved burger institution, celebrates its 75th anniversary in monumental style. On this historic National Whataburger Day—Friday, August 8, 2025—the chain honors its legacy with a once-in-a-generation offer: the iconic #1 Whataburger for just 75 cents, alongside limited-edition merchandise, hometown festivities, and a heartfelt tribute to the communities that fueled its rise from a Corpus Christi burger stand to a regional powerhouse.
The Unmissable Deal: Scoring Your 75-Cent Whataburger
For one day only, Whataburger Rewards members can claim a classic Whataburger for the symbolic price of 75 cents—a nearly $5 discount off the regular price. This digital-exclusive offer runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, exclusively through the Whataburger app or website. While add-ons like cheese or bacon cost extra, the core burger—two beef patties, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and mustard on a toasted five-inch bun—remains unchanged since 1950, embodying the brand’s commitment to tradition. Each Rewards account can redeem the offer once, driving massive app downloads and rewarding loyal fans.
Corpus Christi: The Hometown Birthday Bash
Where better to celebrate 75 years than where it all began? In Corpus Christi, Whataburger transforms Whataburger Field into an “Orange Out” celebration tonight. The minor-league Corpus Christi Hooks will battle the Tulsa Drillers while donning special “Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits” jerseys—a nod to a cult-favorite menu item. Festivities include:
- First pitch honors by Whataburger celebrities
- Giveaways: First 1,500 fans get a Whataguy mask; first 5,000 receive a Whataguy cape
- Post-game fireworks in signature Whataburger orange
- Free Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit coupons for all attendees
This hometown homage underscores CEO Debbie Stroud’s message: “Whataburger’s story has always been about people—the fans, Family Members, and communities that welcomed us like family.”
Collectible Commemorative Cups: Sip the Legacy
Complementing the burger deal, Whataburger launched its second wave of limited-edition 32-oz cups on August 5. Designed as tangible keepsakes, the trio includes:
- August 5: “75th Table Tent” design (inspired by vintage in-store signage)
- August 12: Silver-striped anniversary edition
- August 19: Classic A-frame tribute (honoring the iconic architecture)
Available at select locations and Whatastore.com, these cups merge utility with nostalgia, encouraging fans to preserve a piece of history.
From Humble Stand to Texas Treasure: A 75-Year Journey
Harmon Dobson’s vision was simple: a burger so big and flavorful it made customers exclaim, “What a burger!” On August 8, 1950, he opened a modest stand on Corpus Christi’s Ayers Street, selling burgers for 35 cents. Key milestones include:
- 1971: First drive-thru installed; jalapeños and onion rings debut
- 2001: Designated a “Texas Treasure” by the state legislature
- 2019: Dobson family sells majority stake to BDT Capital
- Today: Over 1,100 locations across the South and Southwest
Despite growth, Whataburger retains regional cult status. In 2024, Texans even used its app outage map to track power failures during Hurricane Beryl when utility companies’ systems crashed—proof of its embedded community role.
Beyond Burgers: King of the Hill Collab & Future Plans
Whataburger’s celebrations extend beyond August 8. A savvy collaboration with “King of the Hill”—featuring Hank Hill’s beloved Double Meat Whataburger (No. 2)—runs through September 29. Rewards members earn triple points on large orders (Aug 11–17) and a free Double Meat with fry/drink purchase (Sept 8–12). This partnership taps into shared Texan roots, with the show’s revival season highlighting Bobby Hill’s return to Arlen.
Looking ahead, Whataburger plans:
- More WhataVault revivals (like the Pico de Gallo Burger)
- Expansion into South Carolina
- Seasonal innovations (e.g., Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafresher™)
- Enhanced app-based loyalty rewards
Why This Anniversary Resonates: Community Over Patties
Whataburger’s 75th anniversary transcends cheap burgers. It’s a testament to regional chains’ cultural impact in an era of homogenized fast food. As Newsweek notes, the brand “unifies communities and shapes local identities” across its 17-state footprint. From graveyard shift workers to little league teams celebrating wins, Whataburger threads itself into the fabric of daily life—a dynamic CEO Debbie Stroud honored:
“This anniversary is our way of saying thank you for your trust, loyalty, and for letting us be part of your table.”
The Future of Whataburger: Tradition Meets Tech
While the 75-cent burger is a one-day marvel, Whataburger’s strategy balances nostalgia with digital innovation. The app-exclusive offer accelerates rewards membership, while limited-edition merch transforms casual diners into collectors. With plans to leverage its loyalty program further and expand physical footprints, Whataburger proves regional chains can thrive without losing their soul. As Stroud affirms, the next 75 years will prioritize “quality experiences” while staying true to Dobson’s original recipe: generous portions, fresh ingredients, and a sense of place.
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re grabbing a 75-cent burger via the app, sporting orange at Whataburger Field, or collecting commemorative cups, today marks a milestone for a brand that’s become synonymous with Texas pride and communal connection. For lifelong fans and first-timers alike, National Whataburger Day isn’t just a promotion—it’s a toast to the moments, memories, and meals that turn a burger joint into a legacy.